The best entry-level jobs for expats: working abroad without experience
Moving to a new country is a challenging and stressful time. It can be very difficult to adjust to the new living conditions and find a job, especially if you have no experience and no special skills. Find out more about the best jobs for working abroad with no experience
Living and working abroad may seem to be full of uncertainties and challenges, but the benefits undoubtedly outweigh any initial fears. The opportunity to broaden your horizons, become a global citizen, and gain unique international experience are just a few of the many benefits you can gain by working abroad.
We have selected the most popular entry-level jobs for expats. Keep reading to learn about the available opportunities and average salaries.
For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, consult an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world.
1. Teacher of English as a foreign language
Average salary: $1,100-$3,000 per month
General benefits: housing, health insurance, flight reimbursement
Skills needed for this role: good knowledge of English language and grammar, creativity, time management, communication skills, patience, sense of humour, empathy
Teaching English abroad is one of the most common first jobs for English speakers. With the growing popularity of the English language, there are more and more job opportunities for teachers in different parts of the world. Whether you are an experienced teacher or just starting out, you will find a position that matches your experience and qualifications. There are opportunities for everyone!
Before applying for a teaching position, check the requirements of the country where you want to work. Also consider whether you need a TEFL certificate. Although it is not always necessary, it will help you prepare for the job and increase your chances of success.
2. Hostel employee
Average salary: usually not paid in exchange for free accommodation
General benefits: free accommodation, flexible hours
Skills needed for this role: customer service, management
When travelling, hostels can be a real lifesaver. It is usually a more affordable alternative to a hotel, aimed at young people. Most hostels offer lounge areas, bars, and shared kitchens or restaurants in addition to rooms.
During the peak tourist months, hostels are looking for additional staff to work at the reception, do dishes or help with cleaning. Many of these jobs offer work exchange, which means free accommodation in exchange for a certain number of hours of work. Some unpaid part-time jobs can eventually turn into paid full-time jobs. This opportunity offers a great chance not only to save money, but also to have an interesting and rewarding experience of living and working in another country.
3. Tour guide
Average salary: basic salary of $8-$15 per hour + tips
General benefits: possibility of free meals on long tours
Skills required for this role: communication skills, enthusiasm and knowledge of history, sense of humour, time management, physical fitness (for walking tours)
During your time studying abroad on an independent programme, you will have had several guided tours. Guides are real experts on different regions and attractions: be it the Louvre, Tiananmen Square, or the Sahara Desert. They have to convey to their audience the wonder of the place they are visiting. Usually, this work is freelance, and although the salary is based mainly on tips, it allows for more flexibility in scheduling and does not limit earning potential.
4. Au pair
Average salary: $300-$1000 per month
General benefits: free accommodation, three meals a day, monthly stipend, health insurance
Skills required for this role: physical fitness, creativity, imagination, ability to perform CPR and first aid for children/infants
Au pairs is a programme for young people to stay with a host family abroad and take care of children in exchange for accommodation, meals and a monthly stipend. If you have a background in education, childcare or just love children, au pairing can open up opportunities for you to live abroad. Most countries set the maximum age for hiring an au pair at 30 years old.
An au pair is responsible for childcare, cooking and cleaning. In general, they feel more like a family member than an employee. Although the monthly stipend of an au pair is usually small, free accommodation and meals will ensure a comfortable life and the opportunity to discover new places on weekends.
5. Professional on a cruise ship
Average salary: depends on the position
General benefits: free accommodation and meals, health insurance, paid holidays and sick leave
Skills needed for this role: customer service, organisation, enthusiasm, group management
Cruise ships are real cities in the middle of the ocean. Filled with restaurants, spas, casinos and shops, they offer jobs in almost every field imaginable on land. Personal trainers, massage therapists, doctors, as well as maintenance workers, lifeguards, waiters, cooks, entertainers and cashiers are all needed.
Depending on the type of cruise, specialised positions may be available on board. For example, Disney Cruise Lines is looking for certified youth counsellors, while companies targeting retirees may have investment portfolio managers on board. Discover the world of opportunities in these floating cities!
6. Hospitality worker
Average salary: $10-$20
General benefits: free or discounted meals, health insurance, paid holidays and sick leave
Skills required for this role: customer service, organisation, communication
There are a variety of job opportunities in the hospitality industry abroad. Waiters, chefs, hostesses, and receptionists are just a few of the jobs available. Some countries provide seasonal jobs during peak periods, while Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada offer year-round opportunities through working holiday visas.
Working holiday agreements are in place between the US and other countries, allowing you to apply for jobs if you are qualified. These visas are renewable, making them attractive for employment in a variety of positions. The hospitality industry offers many opportunities for beginners without requiring much experience.
7. Sports and fitness instructor
Average salary: $5-$30 per hour
General benefits: Depends on the position, but may include discounts on equipment, paid housing, and/or health/accident insurance
Skills required for this role: physical fitness, communication, group management, organisation
Do you enjoy an active lifestyle? Why not make a career abroad? Sports and fitness instructors are sought after in a variety of places: hotels, resorts, camps and local companies hire professionals to run classes. Whether you are a certified surfing, skiing, yoga, scuba diving or wildlife guide instructor, you will find job opportunities in many countries. Schedules can be unconventional, with morning, evening and weekend hours. Flexibility is the key to a successful career!
8. Digital nomad
Average salary: depends on the position
General benefits: tax benefits, flexibility in schedule and location
Skills required for this role: varies by industry
The rise of the digital nomad opens up endless opportunities for those who work online. Digital nomads are actively engaged in web and graphic design, freelance writing, photography, and programming. The ability to work from anywhere in the world with internet access is a huge advantage.
Obtaining a visa is the first priority for those who want to start a career as a nomad. More and more countries are introducing special visas for digital nomads, which may even include tax benefits and the possibility of permanent residence or even citizenship. This opens up endless horizons for career development and personal opportunities anywhere in the world.
Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World
To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Travel guide for 200 countries;
Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;
Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);
Medical insurance all over the world.
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The most affordable places to buy real estate abroad in 2024
The most affordable tourist destinations: where to go on holiday in 2024
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